Daily nut consumption linked to lower dementia risk Study finds

As people age, maintaining brain health becomes a top priority, and while there's no magic bullet to prevent cognitive decline, small, everyday habits can make a big difference.

While dementia can be a frightening and understandably concerning word, the good news is that small, everyday habits can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Neurologists have long emphasized that an overall healthy lifestyle is essential for brain health, with diet playing a significant role. Recent research now suggests that one simple daily dietary habit can help keep your brain healthy for longer, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

For example, a recent study published in Geroscience found that eating nuts daily is linked to a lower risk of all-cause dementia in adults. Here’s how the study was conducted: The researchers analyzed data from the UK Biobank, a large health database. They selected 50,386 participants aged between 40 and 70 years and examined their nut consumption, along with other relevant factors. The findings were clear: People who regularly ate nuts had a 12 per cent lower risk of developing dementia, even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, education, and lifestyle.

The study also revealed that women, older adults, non-smokers, and those who practiced other health-promoting behaviors seemed to experience the greatest benefits from eating nuts regularly. So, why would something as simple as eating nuts have such a significant impact on brain health? Nuts are truly a powerhouse of nutrients and health benefits, making them an excellent choice for a brain-boosting snack. 

According to Dr. David Perlmutter, MD, a board-certified neurologist and 6x New York Times bestselling author, "Nuts are known to contain high levels of healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can support brain health and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress." 

He goes on to explain that nut consumption also positively impacts the gut microbiome, which in turn influences brain health. These beneficial factors may help prevent neurodegeneration, enhance cognitive performance, and improve both cardiovascular and metabolic health—key factors in lowering the risk of dementia. Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Sheri the Plant Strong Dietitian, LLC, offers a similar perspective. 

"Nuts are rich in healthy fats and vitamins, especially vitamin E, which supports brain and blood vessel health, and lowers blood pressure and bodily inflammation," she notes.

By Naila Huseynova